Special Honors Planned for SWOSU's 100th Annual Interscholastic Meet

March 13, 2013

Students placing first in each of the test categories at this year’s Southwestern Oklahoma State University SWIM will be awarded commemorative 100-year SWIM medals. Plaques being awarded to high schools have also been redesigned to reflect the 100th anniversary of the event that started on the Weatherford campus in 1913.

Oklahoma’s longest-running academic competition for high school and junior high students is celebrating 100 years this year on Thursday, March 28, at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford.

SWOSU's Interscholastic Meet (SWIM) started in 1913 when the university was known as Southwestern Normal School. SWIM has been an annual event with the exception of a couple of war-time years.

Shamus Moore, director of SWIM, said the event actually started not only as a scholastic exhibit competition between area high schools but also included track/field events, an outdoor basketball tourney and tennis tourney. SWIM later evolved into the scholastic competition that it is today.

Students placing first in each of the test categories in this year’s SWIM will be awarded commemorative 100-year SWIM medals. Certificates will be awarded to first through third place award winners. Plaques being awarded to high schools have also been redesigned to reflect the 100th anniversary. Both the plaques and medals were designed by SWOSU Graphics Designer Kyle Wright. All students will receive special 100th anniversary lanyards.

Over 70 schools from around the state are registered to attend this year’s SWIM. Over 1,000 students will take approximately 2,500 different tests, which will be given in the areas of fine arts, biological sciences, business, computer science, language arts, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences and technology. Tests will run at 12 noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

Students will compete for individual awards but also for their respective schools. Sweepstakes awards in the school competition will be awarded in three different divisions. Schools with 600 or more students enrolled in grades nine through 12 will compete in Class I; 151-599 students in Class II; and 150 and less students in Class III.

Defending SWIM team champions are Southmoore High School and Yukon High School in Class I, Weatherford High School in Class II and Drummond High School in Class III.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University is among the top colleges in Oklahoma. The outstanding and unique education you will receive at SWOSU is a result of small class sizes, caring and qualified faculty, accessible technology, and an engaging campus life. As a SWOSU student, you can do hands-on research alongside faculty, prepare for a satisfying and exciting career in almost any field, get degrees from Associate to Doctorate, and participate in a vibrant arts community. Financial aid and scholarships are also available. The focus is you!